Michael Ackerfeld

Veterans of the Vietnam War, Inc.
and The Veterans Coalition

National Master Sgt.-At-Arms
Veteran Service Officer (VSO)
Board Member

Military Background

Sergeant,
US Army 1969 - 1975
Vietnam, 1969-1970
198th L.I.B.
23rd Infantry Division
"The Americal Division"
LZ Bayonet  

Awards and Honors

National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal W/Four Bronze Stars
Vietnam Campaign Medal W/60 Device
Army Commendation Medal

Army Good Conduct Medal
Army Meritorious Unit Commendation
Vietnam Cross of Gallantry W/Palm Leaf
Vietnam Cross of Gallantry W/Palm Leaf (2nd award)
New York State Conspicuous Cross
New York State Conspicuous Star w/2 Devices
Two Army Overseas Bars

• Member and advisor to Suffolk County legislature Veterans Committee since 1987

• Suffolk County Veterans Advisory Committee to the Suffolk County Executive, Robert Gaffney since 1986.Calverton National Cemetery Memorial Committee since 1993

• Veterans Advisory Council at the VA Hospital in Northport, NY since 1986

• Past Suffolk County Commander, VVnW

•  National Service Officer, VVnW

• Life Member VVnW Post NY-14

•  Life Member VFW Post 5796, Kings Park, NY and have served as Adjutant, Service Officer, Patriotic Chairman and Parade Coordinator, Vietnam Memorial Committee

•  Life Member of the Americal Division Veterans Association.  I June 1994, I received the National Commander’s Certificate of Appreciation for my work with the Association.

• Life Member of the DAV

• Current Member of the American Legion.

• Current Member of the Jewish War Veterans

• Veterans Ad Hoc consortium on homeless Veterans

• Subcommittee on homeless Veterans

• Veterans Museum Advisory Board member, VAMC, Northport

• Kings Park American Legion Chair on Veterans Affairs

• Life Member Vietnam Veterans of America

• Current member Army Engineer Veterans Association

• VVnW representative on Northport Veterans Administration Voluntary Services (VAVS)

• Salvation Army Homeless Shelter Executive Board member

• Member of National Organization of Veterans Advocates

• Member Veterans of the Vietnam War, Inc.and The Veterans Coalition National Board of Directors.

From May 1986 until April 21, 1983 I was employed by the New York State Department of Labor as an employment counselor in the Disabled Veteran Outreach Program.  In my years as a D.V.O.P. I have had veterans travel from afar to seek my expertise.  I have worked hard to earn a reputation of dedication and commitment toward the aid of the Veterans.  I have received many proclamations, citations and awards for my work with handicapped and disabled World War II, Korean, Vietnam and Persian Gulf Veterans.  I also served any Veteran from any era who was unemployed, underemployed or in need of training or educational benefits.

In 1993 I became a State Veterans’ Counselor with the New York State Division of Veterans Affairs where I am currently employed.  In the position of State Veterans Counselor I assist, counsel and advocate for Veterans and members of the armed services, their families and survivors on concerns relating to their rights and benefits.  This includes matters pertaining to education, training, military law, employment and reemployment, health, medical and rehabilitation services and facilities and the provisions of laws relating to Veterans rights and privileges.  In addition, I assist in the preparation and processing of claims, maintain liaison with public and private agencies which provide benefits for Veterans.  I also disseminate information to local news media, make personal appearances before local Veteran and civic organizations, manage a local Division of Veterans Affairs office and perform other duties as directed.

I single-handedly formed a relationship with the director of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, Mr. Robert Ellis.  The arrangement entitles any Veteran on Long Island to receive rent and/or mortgage payment assistance, emergency shelter, food and clothing for himself and immediate family.  This can also include furniture, bedding and regular household items at no charge.  I regularly accept donations from Veteran organizations and distribute these items directly to local Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Thrift Stores.  There are currently six stores on Long Island.  All stores are cooperating at this time.

I was one of the two D.V.O.P. placement specialists selected nationwide by the National Veterans’ Training Institute in Denver, Colorado (NVTI) to attend and formulate a new pilot training course at AVTI which later became the Veterans’ Benefit Course Core II of the NVTI curriculum.  I have attended all three of the major courses at NVTI.

I have been interviewed and appeared on NBC News and WPIX News as well as making several local talk show appearances.  I have been featured in New York and Long Island Newsday.  I have also appeared in several features of other local newspapers.  My most recent feature was on Channel 55 News regarding my opening of the Veterans of the Vietnam War Service Office at the VA Medical Center, Northport, Long Island, the first Service Office ever located in a VA Hospital.

I am the former New York State Department of Labor Task Force leader on readjustment problems of Veterans.  My responsibilities cover all New York City as well as all of Long Island.  Meetings were held on a regular monthly basis.  We focused on issues such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, incarcerated Veterans, alcohol, drug and substance abused Veterans.  I concentrated on Veterans with other barriers to employment, Veterans who are homeless, unemployed or underemployed.

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